Celebrating the life of Jackie Robinson

This is a huge weekend for Jackie Robinson fans — Monday, of course, is Jackie Robinson Day, when major-league baseball celebrates his legacy every year on the anniversary of his historic debut in 1947. This year has a much greater awareness of Robinson because the movie that chronicles his life “42” — opens nationally in theaters today, bringing the unforgettable story of a baseball pioneer to another generation.

Sports Poster Warehouse has a great collection of beautiful posters of Robinson and his contemporaries — perhaps the most iconic is this shot of Robinson stealing home during a 1952 game. This rare, bold feat is Robinson exemplified, requiring equal parts courage and athleticism. He did so 20 times in his major-league career, and it’s synonymous enough with his success that biographies have been named “Stealing Home.”

What makes this photograph so memorable? Perhaps it’s the ballcap literally flying off his head the instant the picture was taken, or the perfection of his slide, or the look of the supporting cast, from the outstretched catcher to the umpire and teammate watching. Robinson even stole home in a World Series game — in 1955 against the Yankees, with Yogi Berra catching — and you can see a video of that play here. But if you’re looking for a single image that captures Jackie Robinson’s amazing baseball career, this poster might be it.